Could the Facebook backlash to Phil Robertson’s controversial GQ interview have resulted in the demise of Duck Dynasty? This season, the show has encountered abysmal ratings, which have been blamed on everything from anti-Phil sentiment to boring story lines. Willie Robertson, however, thinks that Duck Dynasty is far from over.

The Robertsons are well aware of Duck Dynasty’s current struggles, but they are still eager to put a positive spin on what, to Twitter followers, looks like a very problematic situation. Reality shows tend to hit brief peaks before going into decline, but Willie Robertson doesn’t seem to think this is the case for Duck Dynasty. During a recent interview with Fox411, the reality star explained, “To some extent it’s a natural cycle of any show. You have ups and you have downs.” The implication, of course, is that the show’s ratings will improve in the future.

Willie added that, in many ways, the series’ current problems are related to the issues that many shows face during the summer. Viewers are out and about, enjoying the nice weather — not watching bearded dudes on television. Of course, this explanation doesn’t explain why Duck Dynasty did so well last summer.

The reality star says that, although the ratings for Duck Dynasty may currently be suffering, he’s not particularly worried. “We just do what we do…I mean it’s the top show on cable. I think anybody would kill to have a top show on cable, you know, for one night of the week so we feel like it’s not as bad [as people say].”

Do you agree with Willie Robertson? Or should his family be alarmed by Duck Dynasty’s low ratings? Sound off in the comments section below!